Today was the funeral of our highly respected and beloved denominational leader Bishop Paul Hirschy.
A quiet leader, thoughtful, patient, faithful to the Lord and fruitful in his Christian ministry.
For me as a pastor and son of a pastor in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Paul was an ever present leader in my life – his unfailing warm-hearted kindness, generous smile and genuine attentiveness always made me feel welcome and included.
His ministry extended beyond his term as bishop, in the many years since then he served the local church providing pastoral care to members in need.
When I left the local church ministry for work in the YMCA as a pastor, my new tasks included connecting with local clergy who felt called to volunteer on the Y as a chaplain.
Imagine my delight when I discover Bishop Paul doing just that in the Huntington YMCA! How blessed that Y is to have a chaplain like Paul, and what a legacy for our UB ministers to have one of our own loving, caring and serving in the community with such a big heart and patient spirit.
May we have more pastors like Paul, more volunteer chaplains like him to strengthen the presence of Christ in our Y.
I asked Vanessa from the Huntington Y to share a few words about her experience with Paul; she helps support Christian Emphasis in her YMCA, and this included supporting Bishop Hirschy in his volunteer chaplain ministry there.
Here is Vanessa’s loving remembrance:
“His name was Paul Hirschy.
Paul was a faithful chaplain at the YMCA of Huntington County.
He would set aside a couple hours a week to invest in the lives of community members. He was full of God’s grace and shined ever so bright even in the darkest of days.
Paul would walk into the front doors of the YMCA and spread his contagious smile to the ladies at the front desk.
Then, he would turn the corner to record his time and place his VOLUNTEER name tag on.
Paul was the epitome of a volunteer.
He showed up, he served, he loved, and cared for all that stepped into his path.
Paul would usually find his way to the table.
The table where gentlemen and ladies would gather for a cup of morning joe and reminisce about the good ole days.
Eventually the relationships grew to move the discussion from the good ole days to the current not so good days of health scares and lost loved ones.
Paul never skipped a beat to listen and turn their attention to Jesus in prayer or through that light he so proudly presented.
The YMCA brought Paul on to serve our members, which he did well, not knowing the impact he would have on them as a leadership staff.
It did not matter the season for Paul, whether dark or bright, he always inquired how he could pray for us as a staff.
We knew whatever Paul was saying to Jesus was going to be heard and answered ten-fold.
Paul seemed to have a seat right next to our Heavenly Father even when his body was still on earth.
Paul cared for God’s people and inspired each of us every week.
After months of chemo, Paul came in to serve the YMCA not knowing how much longer he had.
Even in this time, Paul focused on us, he had faith and knew God’s plan was best and his peaceful presence said it all.
Paul was the most gentle, Christ centered man I know.
I have no doubt he is sitting by God as I write this and worshiping with his whole spirit; without pain, without suffering.
May our memories of Paul always be a place to visit his tender heart and produce a smile of joy upon our faces.”
Written by Vanessa Macias-Hannie, Director of Healthy Living at the Parkview Huntington Family YMCA, Indiana
More about Paul…
Paul graduated from Huntington University in 1968, and that year began ten years of pastoral ministry–initially in Convoy, Ohio, followed by nine years at Park UB church in Bluffton, Ind.
He managed the denominational printshop 1978-1981, and then was elected by General Conference to the first of five terms as Director of Church Services at the UB national office.
In 2001, Paul was elected bishop of the US National Conference. He served in that role until 2005.
He worked the next seven years as a development officer at Huntington University, and since 2012 has been associate pastor at College Park UB church in Huntington.
On October 1, 2021, Huntington University awarded Paul the Distinguished Alumni Citation, which recognizes exceptional service over an extended period of time. “Service” is, indeed, what Paul is most known for—a man with a true servant’s heart.
from UBCentral.org